Central Nova News

The Alexandria Public Art Program has announced the commissioning of a new mural by Virginia-based artist Silas Baker. The mural will be located on the exterior door of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's loading dock, replacing a previous artwork by Erin Curtis that was removed in 2021 due to damage.

Silas Baker's design features abstract elements interwoven with American Dogwood flowers in a vibrant composition. The installation is set for late June. Baker was chosen through a competitive process open to artists from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., and his selection was approved by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.

The project aims to inspire and engage both the community and visitors to Old Town Alexandria. It seeks to enhance public interaction and improve the pedestrian experience along Union Street, bringing light and color to this area of the building.

For more information about this project or other public art initiatives managed by the Office of the Arts, visit alexandriava.gov/PublicArt. Reasonable disability accommodations can be requested via diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5590, Virginia Relay 711. Free interpretation and translation services are available upon request at LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3960.

Silas Baker, based in Hampton, Virginia, is known for his work influenced by street art and traditional graffiti. He has been active in painting since an early age, drawing inspiration from skateboard culture and his father's painting activities. In recent years, he has focused on abstract art and large wall murals.

The Office of the Arts aims to establish Alexandria as an arts destination with captivating public artworks. For further details on public art projects in Alexandria, visit alexandriava.gov/PublicArt or follow @alexartsoffice on Instagram using #artsALX.